Energy

Energy Special Interest Group

Greetings from the NSBE Energy SIG!

As we begin planning for the next year, we are very much still excited about the potential for the Energy SIG. Thanks to many of the members who saw the vision of what the Energy SIG will be and contributed towards growing us in the right direction. We held 3 webcasts, launched 1 Energy SIG mixer, and rallied around multiple exploratory conference calls to determine how we can better serve NSBE!

Future of Energy SIG

From an organizational perspective, we began making key connections with others in our field like the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and presenting our story to companies like Southern Company, Duke Energy, and Pacific Gas & Electric. Our efforts extend beyond the United States, we are currently working with Dr. Reid, NSBE’s Executive Director, on a great program partnering the energy expertise within NSBE with the growing technology entrepreneurs in Africa in a program initiated by the U.S. State Department. Stay tuned on that one – more information will be coming soon on this initiative!

One area that is fundamental for the Energy SIG is building a communal space that encourages dialogue and growth in our field. We look forward to May 1st when NSBEConnect will give us the platform to share ideas, publicize events, and help us get further connected. Thanks to the groundwork we laid this year, you’ll also see more collaborations with companies in our industry. From talking about career opportunities to just sharing their take on the industry, you’ll definitely see a greater corporate engagement in the future. We also look forward to doing more regional mixers too! Atlanta, Houston, DC, Chicago, San Francisco – we are coming your way!! If you would like to help host an Energy SIG mixer, please send us an email at energydirector@nsbe.org.

2015 – 2016 New Leadership

Finally, to lead us into this next year, I have asked Brooke Wages to take the helm of the Energy SIG. Brooke brings enthusiasm and a strong background in communication and member engagement. Ms. Wages is member of the Chicago NSBE Professionals chapter and is currently employed with Shell Gas. I look forward to the growth of the Energy SIG under Brooke’s dynamic leadership. Please be on the lookout as she fills open and new positions within the Energy SIG’s leadership team.

Until then, please feel free to contact the Energy SIG at energydirector@nsbe.org. Here’s to a brighter future that is connected, efficient, and strong!

Mr. Clarence Lyons, MBA - Energy Special Interest Group Director

Clarence Lyons currently works as a Project Manager at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He currently manages projects within the Renewable Energy Economics and Technology Status program in the Environment and Renewable Energy Sector. In this role, Lyons directs research in assessing the status, performance and cost of renewable generation technologies. In addition, he leads the TAG (Technical Assessment Guide) program, which conducts similar research and analysis for non-renewable generation.

Lyons received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a concentration in environmental engineering from The University of Alabama, master’s degree in business administration from The University of Alabama-Birmingham and a certificate in construction management from The University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Mr. Lyons has been a member of NSBE for approximately 15 years. He has served in multiple leadership positions as a Professional member including Collegiate Initiative Chair and president of the National Society of Black Engineers – Charlotte Professionals (NSBE-CP) chapter. He is looking forward to continue his service to NSBE as Director of the Energy SIG. Ultimately, Lyons will lead the effort of revitalizing the Energy SIG and engaging NSBE members within the SIG by creating opportunities for technical development, professional networking and mentoring, and collaborative learning.